Top 10 Best Live Music Bars & Clubs in London

London’s live music scene has a proud heritage, taking in the post-war jazz boom which in turn begat the modernist movement, the coffee bar scene that spawned Britain’s own mutant version of rock and roll – not to mention punk, and its many offspring. Today the city promises an eclectic choice of destinations for the discerning gig-goer. Fluid London has had a strokey beard meeting and decided on what we perceive as the Top 10 best bars pubs and clubs in London for live music. Now, let's rock!

Sat in the heart of the West End, this Latin bar offers a blend of glamour and 1930s style, emulating the legendary El Floridita in Havana. The popular night spot is known for its entertainment and explodes with Latin beats every weekend. It embraces cabaret, live music and a selection of Latin rhythms, offering a fun, decadent experience. Floridita is also seen as the Latin-American supper club of London and offers a menu of tasty traditional favourites from across Latin America & Cuba.

Live music in Angel - The Lexington has won over London's gig-goers with the promise of good times, a top range of booze and even better music. Bourbon (of which there are 80 types), scotch and American craft brewery beers feature strongly on the drinks menu, suggesting that John Lee Hooker's spirit lives on; the high calibre live music in the 300-capacity club upstairs also sticks faithfully to the Americana theme: mainly guitar focused; always rock n' roll, indie or hip-hop music.

Live music in Battersea - A unique wine bar from a bygone era: pre-war France, with Hot Club gypsy jazz, invented by Django Reinhardt. Based in London they offer the best in live music and gypsy jazz. They add a twist to the traditional jazz club by pairing Parisian charm with a love and knowledge of fine wines, all wrapped up in the spirit of Django.

Live music in Camden - The fact that this pub doubles up as a venue where bands (from Madness to newbies) play is well-known to most bods. Looking like it took interior design tips from the local working men's club (fly posters, shoddy-looking furniture and a coupla old boys thrown in for authenticity), this low-key pub has a large back room where you can watch bands play for about £5 entry.

Brooklyn Bowl, the acclaimed NYC nightlife destination hailed by Rolling Stone as "one of the most incredible places on Earth," can now also be found at The O2 in London. The 800-capacity concert venue, features 12 lanes of bowling - three of which are elevated in a private party area with its own bar - and food by the famed Bromberg Bros. Blue Ribbon Restaurants. The signature menu includes oyster po' bos, Cajun catfish, French bread pizzas, egg shooters, and of course the world-renowned fried chicken. In addition, the bar features beers from the local Meantime Brewing Company.

If your idea of cool is plinky-plonky piano music and overpriced champagne cocktails, don't go here. Seriously, this isn't the venue for you. If you can put up with sticky floors, and teenagers wearing too much eyeliner, maybe it is. You'll feel like the oldest person in the world for about an hour until the watery lager kicks in, then you'll have a great laugh, and dance drunkenly at the sell-out club nights.

Shoreditch's own juicy cut of burly Americana does exactly what it says on the tin, serving up live blues bands, jam sessions and DJs for your ears most nights of the week, and down-home bluesy bites for your taste-buds every day. Jambalaya, chilli, burgers, smoke chicken and ribs are all on offer, as, at weekends, is that most famous blues staple...er...brunch ("Woke up this morning, life treatin' me mean, so went out for a cup of tea, and some fresh Eggs Florentine"). Rooms with private bars and personal DJ booths are available for party hire.

Live music in Soho - Since opening in October 1993, Ain't Nothin But has brought the Blues to the people. Situated immediately behind Hamleys / Liberty in Regent Street, it is probably the only authentic club outside of the States providing live Blues every night of the week.

Live music in Clerkenwell - The Wilmo boasts one of the best little live rooms around, and is well served by a host of DIY promoters, putting on some of best off-kilter indie pop nights in London. It's a step up from your typical spit and sawdust venue, but the cracking jukebox and Jonny Cash posters suggest these fellers really know their rock'n'roll onions.

Live music in Earl's Court - The Troubadour is a proper café. The last 50's coffee house in Earls Court. Downstairs is the Club where Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon (amongst others) all played in the '60s. It has a great programme of live music and poetry.

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